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A random sample from the British periodicals

London John Huggett: In the 1950s, Michael Young coined the word “meritocracy” to describe a new ruling elite. The Rise of the Meritocracy, published in 1958, described a divided 21st century Britain, run by an elite hardened to outsiders, with the party of the left bec­oming more technocratic than working class. Young foresaw a populist right-wing rebellion which would baffle the new ruling class. Sounds familiar? The smart set has had its comeuppance, yet in a new snobbery, scorns dissenters as daft, racist, unpatriotic or all three.

The Economist

The Greatest? Not

Cheshire Dr John Thornton: Is Andy Murray the finest British athlete of all time? Surely, the honour belongs to C.B. Fry. He captained the England cricket team without losing a match, was an FA Cup finalist for Southampton, played rugby for Oxford University and the Barbarians, and held the world record for long jump. He also excelled outside sport as a journalist, politician, novelist and academic and even turned down an offer to become king of Albania. There is some way yet to go for our greatest tennis player.

The Times

Music to the years

East Sussex Elizabeth Muir-Lewis: Children must be introduced to classical music in school—just as they are to sport, history and all things that will enrich their lives. The word “elite” should not be associated with such activities. It is used to imply that anything fine is only for the better-off.